Self-Sealing Dosepack

ABSTRACT

A dose pack includes a front panel and aback panel that define an internal volume therebetween. A portion of the front panel, the back panel, or both is configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to open the dose pack. A first guide may be positioned in the internal volume and extend toward a second, opposing edge of the dose pack. A second guide may be positioned within the internal volume and extend toward the first edge. A third guide may be positioned within the internal volume. The third guide is substantially perpendicular to the first and second guides. The first, second, and third guides define a tortuous path of fluid communication through which a fluid is configured to flow, after the dose pack has been opened, in response to the dose pack being exposed to a predetermined force.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/562,688, filed on Sep. 25, 2017, the entirety of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

A dose pack typically includes a bendable and/or deformable plastic bodythat defines an internal volume. A fluid may be disposed within theinternal volume. A cap may be coupled to the body to seal the fluidtherein, and the cap may be moved or removed to allow the fluid to besqueezed or poured out of the body. The cap, however, is typically madeof a hard plastic that is expensive and not environmentally-friendly(i.e., does not degrade quickly). Some packs do not include a cap andinstead include a portion (e.g., a corner) that is designed to be tornto open the pack. Such packs, however, are intended to have all of thefluid used at once or used as a refill for bottles, as the fluid mayleak or be accidentally spilled after a first use due to the lack of acap. It would therefore be desirable to have an improved dose pack thatdoes not include a cap but is resistant to leaks and spills.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A dose pack includes a front panel and a back panel that define aninternal volume therebetween. A portion of the front panel, the backpanel, or both is configured to be torn, perforated, or cut to open thedose pack. A first guide may be positioned in the internal volume. Thefirst guide is coupled to or integral with a first edge of the dose packand extends toward a second, opposing edge of the dose pack. A secondguide may be positioned within the internal volume. The second guide iscoupled to or integral with the second edge and extends toward the firstedge. A third guide may be positioned within the internal volume. Thethird guide is coupled to or integral with a third edge of the dosepack. The third guide is substantially perpendicular to the first andsecond guides. The first, second, and third guides define a tortuouspath of fluid communication through which a fluid is configured to flow,after the dose pack has been opened, in response to the dose pack beingexposed to a predetermined force.

In another embodiment, the dose pack includes a front panel and a backpanel that define an internal volume therebetween. A portion of thefront panel, the back panel, or both is configured to be torn,perforated, or cut to form an opening in the dose pack. First and secondguides are positioned within the internal volume. The first and secondguides are offset with respect to one another. The first and secondguides define a tortuous path of fluid communication through which afluid is configured to flow after the dose pack has been opened inresponse to the dose pack being exposed to a predetermined force. Thepath of fluid communication is not defined by one or more edges of thedose pack.

In yet another embodiment, the dose pack includes a front panel and aback panel that define an internal volume therebetween. An opening isformed through an upper edge of the dose pack. A width of the opening isfrom about 5% to about 50% of a width of a lower edge of the dose pack.A first side edge of the dose pack is substantially perpendicular to theupper edge. At least a portion of a second, opposing side edge of thedose pack is oriented at an angle from about 20° to about 90° withrespect to the first side edge, and wherein the opening is sealed usinga snap-lock feature or a sliding mechanism.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an example of a dose pack, according toan embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose pack,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of another example of the dose pack of FIG.2 with an additional guide, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of another example of the dose pack of FIG.3 with an additional guide, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of another example of a dose pack, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of another example of a dose pack, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of another example of a dose pack, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of another example of a dose pack, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of another example of the dose pack of FIG.8, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an example of a dose pack 100,according to an embodiment. The dose pack 100 may also or instead bereferred to as a sachet, a pouch, a bag, or the like. The dose pack 100may include a body 110. The body 110 may be made of a plastic.

In one embodiment, the body 110 may include a front panel 112 and a backpanel (not shown) that at least partially overlap one another. The frontpanel 112 and the back panel may be substantially identical. The frontpanel 112 is transparent in FIG. 1 to show an internal volume 120. Asshown, the front panel 112 and the back panel are substantiallyrectangular and include four outer edges 114-117. In other embodiments,the front panel 112 and the back panel may be other shapes, such assquare, circular, ovular, curvi-linear, etc. The front panel 112 and theback panel may be sealed together along one or more of the edges114-117, such that the body 110 defines the internal volume 120, whichis visible because the front panel 112 is transparent. A consumerproduct (e.g., a fluid) may be disposed in the internal volume. Thefluid may be or include a liquid, a gel, a paste, a powder, or the like.For example, the fluid may be or include a toothpaste, a mouthwash, afood condiment (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.), a pet snack,fabric conditioners, fabric detergents, all-purpose cleaners, hand ordish liquid cleaners, a body wash, a shower gel, a shampoo, a bodycream, a lotion, a liquid hand soap, a concentrate, or the like.

The internal volume 120 may initially be totally sealed (e.g., by thesealed edges 114-117). When the user is ready to use the fluid in thedose pack 100, the user may tear and/or remove a portion of the body 110to form an opening (i.e., spout) 122 through one of the edges (e.g.,edge 114). The internal volume 120 may include a path of fluidcommunication 124 that extends from a beginning 121 to an end (e.g., theopening) 122. The path of fluid communication 124 may have a length fromabout 5 mm to about 20 mm, about 10 mm to about 20 mm, or about 15 mm toabout 20 mm. In another embodiment, the path of fluid communication 124may have a length up to two times (2X) or three times (3X) the length ofthe first edge 114 or the second edge 117. The path of fluidcommunication 124 may have a width from about 2 mm to about 80 mm, about4 mm to about 60 mm, or about 6 mm to about 40 mm. The path of fluidcommunication 124 may include a cross-sectional area that is from about25 mm² to about 50 mm², about 30 mm² to about 45 mm², or about 35 mm² toabout 40 mm². The cross-sectional area may be within this range for theentire length of the path of fluid communication 124. In at least oneembodiment, the aforementioned ranges may apply to a dose pack with aninternal volume of 400 ml and may be extrapolated for dose packs thatare large or smaller in volume.

In addition, the path of fluid communication 124 may be tortuous. Moreparticularly, the path of fluid communication 124 may include one ormore bends or turns (e.g., two are shown: 126, 128). As shown, the firstbend 126 may be 90°, and the second bend 128 may be 180°. The secondbend 128 may also be viewed as two 900 bends in close proximity. Thebends 126, 128 may be sharp or curved.

The path of fluid communication 124 may be at least partially defined byone or more guides or barriers (two are shown: 130, 132). As shown, thefirst guide 130 may be coupled to or integral with the first edge 114and extend toward the opposing (i.e., third) edge 116. The second guide132 may be coupled to or integral with the third edge 116 and extendtoward the opposing (i.e., first) edge 114. The first and second guides130, 132 may be offset from one another (e.g., parallel to one another).

As shown, greater than about 20% (e.g., from about 20% to about 45%) ofthe total length of the path of fluid communication 124 (e.g., from 121to 122) may be parallel to and between the guides 130, 132. In otherembodiments, at least a portion of the path of fluid communication 124may not be parallel to the guides 130, 132. The total length of the pathof fluid communication 124 may be greater than a length 136 of one ofthe guides 130, 132. For example the total length of the path of fluidcommunication may be from about 101% to about 250% of the length 136 ofthe first guide 130, the second guide 132, or both. Greater than about75% (e.g., from about 75% to about 95%) of the length 136 of the guide132 may overlap with the length of the guide 130.

In one embodiment, the first and second guides 130, 132 may be made fromthe same material as the front panel 112 and the back panel. In anotherembodiment, the first and second guides 130, 132 may be or include anadhesive that causes the front panel 112 and the back panel to adheretogether. In yet another embodiment, the first and second guides 130,132 may be or include heat-sealed striations that channel the fluid. Theguides 130, 132 may be formed by heat sealing the front panel 112 andthe back panel, which may be formed by a plastic sealing technology oradhesive that seals together to form the guides 130, 132. In yet anotherembodiment, the first and second guides 130, 132 may be formed by sonicwelding.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose pack 200,according to an embodiment. The dose pack 200 may be similar to the dosepack 100, and discussion of the similar features is omitted. In the dosepack 200, the path of fluid communication 224 may extend from abeginning 221 to an end (e.g., the opening) 222. The path of fluidcommunication 224 may include one or more bends or turns (e.g., one isshown: 226). As shown, the bend 226 may be a 90° turn. The path of fluidcommunication 224 may be at least partially defined by one or moreguides or barriers (one is shown: 230). As shown, the guide 230 may becoupled to or integral with the edge through which the opening 222 isformed (i.e., the fourth edge 217) and extend toward the opposing (i.e.,second) edge 215.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of another example of the dose pack200 of FIG. 2 with an additional guide 232, according to an embodiment.The second guide 232 may be coupled to or integral with the second edge215 and extend toward the edge through which the opening 222 is formed(i.e., the fourth edge 217). The first and second guides 230, 232 may beparallel to one another. With the addition of the second guide 232, thepath of fluid communication 224 may include two bends 226, 228). Asshown, the first bend 226 may be 90°, and the second bend 228 may be180°. The second bend 228 may also be viewed as two 90° bends in closeproximity.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another example of the dose pack200 of FIG. 3 with an additional (e.g., third) guide 234, according toan embodiment. The third guide 234 may be coupled to or integral withthe third edge 216 and extend toward the first edge 214. The third guide234 may be perpendicular to the first and second guides 230, 232. Adistance between the end of the third guide 234 and the second guide 232may be from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, about 1 mm to about 5 mm, orabout 2 mm to about 50 mm. Thus, the third guide 234 may at leastpartially separate the internal volume into first and second portions220A, 220B. In at least one embodiment, the path of fluid communication224 may begin at 223 instead of 221.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose pack 500,according to an embodiment. The dose pack 500 may be similar to the dosepacks 100, 200, and discussion of the similar features is omitted. Thefirst and fourth edges 514, 517 may include first (e.g., large) recesses540, 542, respectively, proximate to a corner 544 of the dose pack 500.The first and fourth edges 514, 517 may also include second (e.g.,small) recesses 546, 548 that are at least partially within the firstrecesses 540, 542, respectively. The recesses 540, 542, 546, 548 mayfacilitate opening the dose pack 500 proximate to the corner 544. Forexample, a portion of the dose pack 500 may be torn, perforated, and/orcut along/between the recesses 546, 548 to form the opening 522 in thedose pack 500.

The dose pack 500 may also include one or more guides (two are shown:530, 532) that at least partially define the path of fluid communication524 from a beginning 521 to an end (e.g., the opening) 522. The guides530, 532 may be formed of the same material and/or in the same manner asthe guides 130, 132, 230, 232, 234 described above. In otherembodiments, the guides 530, 532 may be one integral, tubular member.The tubular member may be formed within the interior volume 520, or thetubular member may be inserted at least partially into the interiorvolume after the dose pack 500 is opened (e.g., forming a friction fittherein). The guides 530, 532 may also or instead be made from the samematerial, have an additional/different material adhered to the walls ofthe front panel 112 and the back panel, or be heat-sealed to create thepath of fluid communication 524. In at least one embodiment, a portionof the guides 530, 532 may be torn away when the opening 522 is formed.

As shown, the guides 530, 532 may be parallel to one another andseparate from the sides from the dose pack 500. The guides 530, 532 andthe path of fluid communication 524 may include one or more bends orturns (e.g., two are shown: 526, 528). In contrast to the bends 126,128, 226, 228 in FIGS. 1-4, the bends 526, 528 in FIG. 5 may be orinclude a curvature, rather than a sharp angle. As shown, the bends 526,528 may be opposed to one another, forming a substantially curvi-linear“S-shape”.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose pack 600,according to an embodiment. The dose pack 600 may be similar to the dosepacks 100, 200, and/or 500, and discussion of the similar features isomitted. The guides 630, 632 and the path of fluid communication 624 mayinclude one or more bends or turns. As shown, the bends may besubstantially spiral-shaped and extend through more than 180°, more than270°, or more than 360°. In addition, the width of the path of fluidcommunication 624 may vary along the length of the path of fluidcommunication 624.

The guides 130, 132, 230, 232, 234, 530, 532, 630, 632 in FIGS. 1-6 mayat least partially define the tortuous paths of fluid communication 124,224, 524, 624, which may increase the force and/or pressure needed tocause the fluid to flow out of the dose packs 100, 200, 500, 600. Aswill be appreciated, the force and/or pressure may at least partiallydepend upon the properties of the fluid (e.g., viscosity). In oneexample, the viscosity of the fluid may be from about 8.90×10⁻⁴ Pa*s toabout 0.0398 Pa*s or about 0 Pa*s to about 700 Pa*s. As a result, thefluid may not spill or leak out of the dose packs 100, 200, 500, 600,even if the dose packs 100, 200, 500, 600 accidentally tip over, withoutthe application of an external force (e.g., squeezing) by a user thatincreases the pressure.

As will be appreciated, the viscosity of the fluid, the lengths of thepaths of fluid communication 124, 224, 524, 624 the cross-sectionalareas of the paths of fluid communication 124, 224, 524, 624, and thenumber and/or shape of the bends or turns 126, 128, 226, 228, 526, 528in the paths of fluid communication 124, 224, 524, 624 may beresult-effective variables that affect the amount of force and/orpressure required to cause the fluid to flow out of the dose packs 100,200, 500, 600.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose pack 700,according to an embodiment. The dose pack 700 may include a body 710. Inone embodiment, the body 710 may include a front panel 712 and a backpanel (not shown) that at least partially overlap one another. The frontpanel 712 and the back panel may be substantially identical. The body710 may also include a base 716 on which the dose pack 700 is designedto sit, such that the dose pack 700 is configured to stand up on thebase 716.

The dose pack 700 may initially be totally sealed. When the user isready to use the fluid in the dose pack 700, the user may tear and/orremove a portion of the body 710 to form an opening 722. A path of fluidcommunication 724 may lead to the opening 722. The path of fluidcommunication 724 may be defined, at least in part, by one or moreguides 730, 732. The guides 730, 732 may cause the path of fluidcommunication 724 to be tortuous (e.g., include one or more bends).Thus, the path of fluid communication 724 may have many of the sameproperties (e.g., length, cross-sectional width, number and shape ofbends) as described above to prevent the fluid inside the dose pack 700from leaking or spilling without the application of an external force(e.g., squeezing) by a user.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of another example of a dose pack 800,according to an embodiment. The dose pack 800 may include a body 810.The body 810 may be made of a plastic. In one embodiment, the body 810may include a front panel 812 and a back panel (not shown) that at leastpartially overlap one another. The front panel 812 and the back panelmay be substantially identical.

The body 810 may include a lower edge 815 and an upper edge 817. Asshown, a width 840 of the lower edge 815 may be less than a width 842 ofthe upper edge 817. For example, the width 842 may be from about 5% toabout 50%, from about 5% to about 40%, from about 5% to about 30%, orfrom about 5% to about 20% of the width 840. Thus, the dose pack 800 mayinclude a nozzle or spout near the upper edge 817 to facilitate pouring.As shown, a first side edge 814 may be substantially perpendicular tothe upper edge 817, and a second, opposing side edge 816 may be orientedat an angle α with respect to the upper edge 817 that is from about 10⁰to about 80°, about 20° to about 70°, or about 30° to about 60°.

The upper edge 817 may have an opening formed therethrough. As shown inFIG. 8, the opening may be sealed by a snap-lock feature. As shown inFIG. 9, the opening may be sealed by a slide-lock mechanism (e.g., azipper) 844.

In at least one embodiment, a dose pack may include a front panel and aback panel that define an internal volume therebetween. A portion of thefront panel, the back panel, or both is configured to be torn,perforated, or cut to open the dose pack. A first guide may bepositioned in the internal volume. The first guide is coupled to orintegral with a first edge of the dose pack and extends toward a second,opposing edge of the dose pack. A second guide may be positioned withinthe internal volume. The second guide is coupled to or integral with thesecond edge and extends toward the first edge. A third guide may bepositioned within the internal volume. The third guide is coupled to orintegral with a third edge of the dose pack. The third guide issubstantially perpendicular to the first and second guides. The first,second, and third guides define a tortuous path of fluid communicationthrough which a fluid is configured to flow, after the dose pack hasbeen opened, in response to the dose pack being exposed to apredetermined force.

The fluid may include a toothpaste, a mouthwash, a food condiment, a petsnack, a fabric conditioner, a fabric detergent, an all-purpose cleaner,a hand or dish liquid cleaner, a body wash, a body cream, a lotion, aliquid hand soap, or a concentrate. A viscosity of the fluid in theinternal volume is from about 0 Pa*s to about 700 Pa*s. The path offluid communication has a length from about 5 mm to about 3 times alength of the first edge or the second edge. The path of fluidcommunication has a cross-sectional area from about 2 mm to about 80 mmthroughout the length. The path of fluid communication comprises a bendthat is about 90°. The path of fluid communication comprises a bend thatis about 180°. The first guide is made of a same material as the frontpanel and the back panel. The first guide is formed using an adhesive,heat sealing, or sonic welding. The third guide separates the internalvolume into two portions. A distance between an end of the third guideand the second guide is from about 0.5 mm to about 50 mm.

In another embodiment, the dose pack includes a front panel and a backpanel that define an internal volume therebetween. A portion of thefront panel, the back panel, or both is configured to be torn,perforated, or cut to form an opening in the dose pack. First and secondguides are positioned within the internal volume. The first and secondguides are offset with respect to one another. The first and secondguides define a tortuous path of fluid communication through which afluid is configured to flow after the dose pack has been opened inresponse to the dose pack being exposed to a predetermined force. Thepath of fluid communication is not defined by one or more edges of thedose pack.

The path of fluid communication includes a curvi-linear bend. Theopening is formed proximate to a corner of the dose pack, the cornerbeing at an intersection of two edges of the dose pack. One or both ofthe two sides comprises a recess. The first guide is shaped to conformto the recess. The path of fluid communication comprises a spiral-shapedbend. A width of the path of fluid communication varies proceeding alonga central axis through the path of fluid communication. The first andsecond guides are configured to be inserted into the internal volume ofthe dose pack through the opening after the front panel, the back panel,or both is torn to form the opening. The first and second guides are notpart of a straw that is used to suck the fluid out of the internalvolume.

In yet another embodiment, the dose pack includes a front panel and aback panel that define an internal volume therebetween. An opening isformed through an upper edge of the dose pack. A width of the opening isfrom about 5% to about 50% of a width of a lower edge of the dose pack.A first side edge of the dose pack is substantially perpendicular to theupper edge. At least a portion of a second, opposing side edge of thedose pack is oriented at an angle from about 20° to about 90° withrespect to the first side edge, and wherein the opening is sealed usinga snap-lock feature or a sliding mechanism.

1. A dose pack, comprising: a front panel and a back panel that definean internal volume therebetween, wherein a portion of the front panel,the back panel, or both is configured to be torn, perforated, or cut toopen the dose pack; a first guide positioned in the internal volume,wherein the first guide is coupled to or integral with a first edge ofthe dose pack and extends toward a second, opposing edge of the dosepack; a second guide positioned within the internal volume, wherein thesecond guide is coupled to or integral with the second edge and extendstoward the first edge; and a third guide positioned within the internalvolume, wherein the third guide is coupled to or integral with a thirdedge of the dose pack, wherein the third guide is substantiallyperpendicular to the first and second guides, and wherein the first,second, and third guides define a tortuous path of fluid communicationthrough which a fluid is configured to flow, after the dose pack hasbeen opened, in response to the dose pack being exposed to apredetermined force.
 2. The dose pack of claim 1, wherein the fluidcomprises a toothpaste, a mouthwash, a food condiment, a pet snack, afabric conditioner, a fabric detergent, an all-purpose cleaner, a handor dish liquid cleaner, a body wash, a body cream, a lotion, a liquidhand soap, or a concentrate.
 3. The dose pack of claim 1, wherein aviscosity of the fluid in the internal volume is from about 0 Pa*s toabout 700 Pa*s.
 4. The dose pack of claim 1, wherein the path of fluidcommunication has a length from about 5 mm to about 3 times a length ofthe first edge or the second edge.
 5. The dose pack of any claim 1,wherein the path of fluid communication has a cross-sectional area fromabout 2 mm to about 80 mm throughout the length.
 6. The dose pack ofclaim 1, wherein the path of fluid communication comprises a bend thatis about 90°.
 7. The dose pack of claim 1, wherein the path of fluidcommunication comprises a bend that is about 180°.
 8. The dose pack ofclaim 1, wherein the first guide is made of a same material as the frontpanel and the back panel.
 9. The dose pack of claim 1, wherein the firstguide is formed using an adhesive, heat sealing, or sonic welding. 10.The dose pack of claim 1, wherein the third guide separates the internalvolume into two portions.
 11. The dose pack of claim 1, wherein adistance between an end of the third guide and the second guide is fromabout 0.5 mm to about 50 mm.
 12. A dose pack, comprising: a front paneland a back panel that define an internal volume therebetween, wherein aportion of the front panel, the back panel, or both is configured to betorn, perforated, or cut to form an opening in the dose pack; and firstand second guides positioned within the internal volume, wherein thefirst and second guides are offset with respect to one another, whereinthe first and second guides define a tortuous path of fluidcommunication through which a fluid is configured to flow after the dosepack has been opened in response to the dose pack being exposed to apredetermined force, and wherein the path of fluid communication is notdefined by one or more edges of the dose pack.
 13. The dose pack ofclaim 12, wherein the path of fluid communication comprises acurvi-linear bend.
 14. The dose pack of claim 12, wherein the opening isformed proximate to a corner of the dose pack, the corner being at anintersection of two edges of the dose pack, wherein one or both of thetwo sides comprises a recess, and wherein the first guide is shaped toconform to the recess.
 15. The dose pack of claim 12, wherein the pathof fluid communication comprises a spiral-shaped bend.
 16. The dose packof claim 12, wherein a width of the path of fluid communication variesproceeding along a central axis through the path of fluid communication.17. The dose pack of claim 12, wherein the first and second guides areconfigured to be inserted into the internal volume of the dose packthrough the opening after the front panel, the back panel, or both istorn to form the opening.
 18. The dose pack of claim 12, wherein thefirst and second guides are not part of a straw that is used to suck thefluid out of the internal volume.
 19. A dose pack, comprising: a frontpanel and a back panel that define an internal volume therebetween,wherein: an opening is formed through an upper edge of the dose pack, awidth of the opening is from about 5% to about 50% of a width of a loweredge of the dose pack, and a first side edge of the dose pack issubstantially perpendicular to the upper edge.
 20. The dose pack ofclaim 19, wherein at least a portion of a second, opposing side edge ofthe dose pack is oriented at an angle from about 20° to about 90° withrespect to the first side edge, and wherein the opening is sealed usinga snap-lock feature or a sliding mechanism.